Will Guy Richie’s Aladdin need more than three wishes to conjure up cinematic success?
The
Disney Renassiance spelled undisputed cinematic glory for the mouse-house. During
which, Disney crafted childhoods with classic tales and groundbreaking
animation. Making the 90’s the definitive decade of Disney. Now, the empire of
entertainment attempts cinematic success yet again. Aladdin may be one jump
behind his princess predecessors to join live action. But does the street-rat have
enough magic to make his mark on modern cinemagoers?
Aladdin’s 2019 re-imagining comes courtesy of director Guy Richie. Known
for his surrealistic view of lad culture and crime. Richie’s flair for irreverent
realism and comedic charm sits comfortably with the street rat run-ins of
Aladdin of Agrabah. However, Aladdin’s doesn’t
want to be a street rat for very long and dreams of being more Prince than
pickpocket. It’s throughout the musical numbers where I feel Richie sadly falls
flat. Aladdin is a magical musical adventure and not a street level satire.
With a soundtrack by the legendary Alan Menken, Richie fails to highlight the
music with stage worthy sensation and fantasy flair. Instead feeling at times
more NBC special than Broadway bonanza. Richie does offer some attempts at
interesting musical direction, providing glimmers of transformative editing
that create moments of music-video magic. However, a director with more musical
resonance could of elevated the source material even further. Despite this, A
whole new world is every bit the soppy sight you dreamed of Prince Ali will
leave you singing along, long after the credits have rolled.
Bringing a fairy tale to life is a tall order and Aladdin does do well
at creating a world of wonder. With gorgeous costumes and intricate set designs.
However, Aladdin does appear conflicted in direction of combing fantasy via
factual. The movie environment feels constrictively
staged and pokey. The costumes are exceptionally pristine but lack any
realistic wear. These small details add to the itty-bitty atmosphere and could take
away from the magic of the cast.
Aladdin
would be nothing without its titular hero done right. Luckily, Mena Massoud is
perfect casting for the Disney incarnation of the endearing urchin. Massoud is
confident and charismatic, without being cheesy. His smile is mesmerising and
he fulfils the likeable leading man exceptionally well. Massoud fairs well in
the musical numbers with enthusiasm and is believable as the boyish heartthrob
falling for a princess. Massoud highlights his potential beyond Aladdin with his
comedic timing that compliments even the sarcastically seasoned Will Smith. I
wish for a great future for Massoud, away from type casting and into an
emerging avenue of engaging young actors… all he has to do is jump.
Despite countless stars shining vocally among Disneys animated classics,
none resonated with audiences quite like Robin Williams’s Genie. Whoever filled
the huge, lamp sized, void of Williams’s iconic portrayal was against a beloved
behemoth of characterisation. Despite initial concerns, Will Smith actually
steps up to the topknot with flair. The reimagined Genie is less quick witted
and more cool charisma. Smith delivers a solid performance that adds freshness
to the mostly regurgitated dialogue. Smith is able to deliver lines
enthusiastically without overshadowing his supporting cast. Where Williams
portrayed the heart of the Genie with undeniably sincerity, Smith leads with a
more soulful touch and is equally the life of this party.
Aladdin may have the lamp, but Jasmine undoubtedly demands the
spotlight. Princess Jasmine has always been a progressive princess and Naomi
Scott’s portrayal does not disappoint. Jasmine is intelligently empathetic and
exquisitely regal. Scott elevates the rebellious royal far beyond the
foundations of the 1992 original. Scott exudes Jasmines dreams of sovereignty
and social justice with a steely confidence and wit. She is very much a modern
maiden who rectifies all of the out-dated Disney ideals of a damsel in distress.
Yes, Jasmine is exceptionally beautiful but it is her determined demeanour that
sets her apart. Jasmine 2019 is a princess to be proud of and one all should
aspire to follow. With her scene stealing beauty complementing her impressive
performance range, Naomi Scott is the one to watch from this Arabian night and
has a bright future ahead… trust me.
A comedic cast of supporting characters joins the terrific trio and each
adds a little extra interest to the world of Aladdin, including a very under
used Abu. A special mention must also go to Billy Magnussen and his cat loving
caricature, Prince Anders, who leaves a lasting laugh with audiences.
Finally, Jafar. With a movie bubbling with charismatic characters and
polished performances, Jafar simply isn’t worth the wait. Marwen Kenzari misses
the trick of Jafar, the manipulative machiavellian. Kenzari plays Jafar way too
obvious and leaves little development for the character. Jafar is a sour faced
fun-sponge who is simply unbelievable as a political advisor. How Jafar got so
powerful, whilst so unlikeable, is a mystery with his obvious bad guy attitude
and lack of social subtly. Kenzari’s performance is sadly less hot bad boy and
more damp drama queen.
To conclude, Aladdin 2019 is still the magical carpet ride of the 1992
original. Whilst not taking the material to a definite whole new world, the
music is infectious and the romance enchanting. The cast holds up a small-scale
production exceptionally well. Our beloved characters of Aladdin, Genie and
Jasmine are treated with respect and in some cases far surpass the original
portrayals. An eclectic cast of
supporting characters add satire to the story and create some truly funny
moments. Aladdin continues to hold mass appeal, even in modern times, and should
be an admirable success.
If I had three wishes Aladdin would have a new
director, better villain and grander musical moments. However, given what we
have Aladdin is still an exceptionally fun ride.
A whole new world
for live action fairy tales...
Aladdin is in theatres now!
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